Rafe’s brows rose. “I believe I am not in my dotage yet. However, I will explain. When I was young I had no interest in marriage. As I grew older and became more interested, I was a less-than-eligible second son. Now, as the Earl of Moreham, you might say women have found me far too eligible. It has taken me some time to find just the right woman to suit.”
Madeleine cast him a scornful look. “Ah bah, my lord, horses suit the carriage, oxen suit the yoke, but a man and a woman in a marriage should do much more than suit.”
Rafe inclined his head politely. “Perhaps I have chosen the wrong words, madame. Alix and I...” He paused, considering how to describe the way he and Alix got on. He reflected that he couldn’t say to her mother that she made his blood burn in his veins and his body ache to be with her. “Alix and I get along quite comfortably.”
“Then you’ve met my daughter before?”
Rafe studied Madeleine, but her dark eyes gave nothingaway; he didn’t know how much Alix had told her mother about how she’d reached London. “Madame,” he answered smoothly, “when I looked into your daughter’s eyes, I felt as if we had met before. And when we strolled along the gallery we fell into conversation as naturally as old companions.” Old sparring companions, more like, he thought, glancing at the comtesse to see how she responded to his answer.
Madeleine straightened. “Old companions—now that is a basis to establish a marriage, for after the passion fades the friendship must remain. You have my leave to court my daughter. But,” she said, admonishing him with a slim white finger, “the final decision is hers.”
“Gray,”he said, eyeing Alix critically as he handed her up into his chaise two days later, “you are wearing gray again.”
“My lord is very observant,” Alix responded as she smoothed out the skirts of her charcoal gray walking dress.
“I don’t like gray.”
“Well, then it’s a good thing you’re not wearing my clothes,” she replied. “Madeleine feels that for a young girl it expresses mourning appropriately, and that it makes a dramatic contrast with her black.”
Rafe snorted.
“I don’t believe I’ve had any complaints from my other suitors,” she added. “Would you care to see the notes I’ve received?”
Rafe frowned. He’d seen the flowers filling Lady Melbourne’s sitting room, and he didn’t appreciate the idea of other men courting his wife.
“Lord Minton is taking me to the theatre this evening. I hear the play is quite good. Shall you be there?”
He hadn’t planned on it, but supposed now he’d need to go, to keep watch on her. His frown deepened.
“Are you always this grouchy in the afternoon?” Alix inquired.
“No,” he said through gritted teeth. “Only when my wife is squired around town by notorious bounders.”
“Really?” she asked wide-eyed. “Lady Melbourne says Minton’s charming and quite the catch.”
“I would remind you, my lady, that you have already been caught.”
Alix laughed. “Lady Melbourne was rather surprised when you came to call. She says you’re quite a catch too, though she’s not sure you will come up to scratch.”
Rafe’s eye’s gleamed golden in the sunlight. “If your ladyship will recall, I believe I have more than come up to scratch.” His lips curved slightly. “However, if you feel the need for a reminder, I would be more than willing to provide one.”
Alix flushed, her pulse beating quickly.
Rafe’s eyes caressed the creamy expanse of her throat then meandered meaningfully down to the swell of her bosom. “Come now, Alix, why don’t we give up this sham courtship and return to my home?”
Alix felt her flesh grow hot under his gaze. “What of the scandal, my lord?”
“Damn the scandal. I want you, Alix, in my home and in my bed.”
“You promised me two months, Rafe, two months to become accustomed to my future as your wife.” Two months, she thought, to discover if he wanted her for more than the pleasures of her body. “Does your word mean nothing, my lord?”
“You’ll find my word means everything, Lady Moreham. Two months,” he said, the fire in his eyes suddenly banked, “and then I shall rely upon your word.”
An awkward silence fell between them, and Alix found herself almost grateful when two riders approached.
Aslender blond man in a deep blue jacket hailed Rafe. He was almost handsome, Alix thought, but his looks were marred an expression of what appeared to be utter boredom.
“Ho, Moreham,” the young man said, “lovely day for a ride about the park.”
